City Council

The “New River ” City 10 Robertson St. October 26, 201 5 Radford, Virginia Regular Meeting Number 6 of Radford City Council, F.Y. 2015-2016 A special meeting of the Radford City Council and Radford City School Board convened at 4:00 p.m. n Council Chambers, 10 Robertson Street, Radford, VA. The Mayor of the City, Dr. Bruce Brown and School Board Chair, Mr. Lynn Burris, were present and presiding. Other members of City Council present were Dr. Richard Harshberger, Mr. Daniel Keith Marshall, Mr. Robert Nicholson and Mr. David Michael Turk and School Board members Mr. Kenny Alderman, Mrs. Jessie Critterton, Mr. Adam DeVries and Mr. Carl Mitchell Others present were as follows: Mr. David Ridpath, City Manager Ms. Melissa Skelton, Zoning Administrator/City Clerk Mrs. Patricia Cox, Finance Director Mrs. Gail Cook-Devilbiss, City Attorney Mr. Rob Graham, Superintendent Ms. Kerri Long, Clerk of School Board The purpose of the meeting was for City Council and Radford City School Board to discuss common interests pertaining to the community, topics included the following: School System Facilities Study McHarg Project: Project overview – Need/Facility issues Schedule – Design Planning 2016/2017/ Radford High School Security Fencing Roof Replacement Armory Planning/Proposed Use/Cost Transfer Capital Fund Balance Projected Use “Bobcat Pride” Activities Renaming of Scott Street Clerks Note: No Action was taken on any of the items. The regular meeting of the Radford City Council was convened at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers, 10 Robertson Street, Radford, VA. The Mayor of the City, Dr. Bruce Brown, was present and presiding. Other members of City Council present were Dr. Richard Harshberger, Mr. Daniel Keith Marshall, Mr. Robert Nicholson and Mr. David Michael Turk. Others present were as follows: Mr. David Ridpath, City Manager Ms. Melissa Skelton, City Clerk Mrs. Gail Cook DeVilbiss, City Attorney Mrs. Jenni Wilder, Public Information Officer Mr. Donald Goodman, Chief of Police Following the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Mayor Brown, and the invocation was led by Rev. McCandlish. MINUTE APPROVALS: On a motion by Mr. Nicholson seconded by Mr. Marshall, that the minutes for October 12, 2015 are approved as presented. VOTE: AYES: Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ABSTAIN: Dr. Harshberger RECOGNITION – Radford High School Art Project Radford High School art class presented the Christmas ornament that was designed for the Governors Christmas Tree. PROCLAMATION SUBJECT: Joe Raccuia, Radford University Head Baseball Coach SUMMARY: The Radford Chamber of Commerce has requested that City Council recognize Joe Raccuia. Joe Raccuia is the head Baseball coach for Radford University, which had a very successful 2015 season in both Big South regular season and post-season play. CITY OF RADFORD PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, the City of Radford is proud to recognize the Radford University Baseball Program, for accomplishments during the 2014-2015 season, and WHEREAS, Coach Joe Raccuia led Radford University Baseball to the program’s first Big South regular-season and tournament championships, and WHEREAS, the Radford University Baseball Program traveled to Nashville Regional, where the Highlanders posted a 2-2 record and made regional finals by defeating Indiana, and WHEREAS, Radford University Baseball Finished 45-16 overall, 20-4 Big South and with a program record 45 wins and 15 game winning streak, and WHEREAS, the Radford University Baseball Program made history by their RBI climbing as high as No. 12 in the nation and earning national rankings for first time in program history, and WHEREAS, Coach Joe Raccuia set the program record for wins by a head coach at Radford with 247 wins, and WHEREAS, in his career with the Radford University Baseball Program, Joe Raccuia has totaled 305 career wins, and WHEREAS, Joe Raccuia was named “Big South Coach of the Year” in recognition of his hard work and dedication leading the Radford University Baseball Program to a record setting season. NOW THEREFORE, in recognition and celebration of the Radford University Baseball Program led by Coach Joe Raccuia, BE IT HEREBY PROCLAIMED that October 16th be recognized as Coach Joe Raccuia Day in the City of Radford. ______________________________ Bruce E. Brown, Mayor ATTEST: ______________________________ Melissa Skelton, City Clerk Adopted: October 26, 2015 ACTION: Mr. Turk made a motion to approve the proclamation as presented, Mr. Nicholson seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 RESOLUTION SUBJECT: Radford High School Foundation SUMMARY: The City of Radford has leased the property on George Street, adjacent to the Radford Recreation Center, to the Radford High School Foundation, Inc since 2003. The agreement was established to help foster support, private donations and construction of a baseball field on the 5+ Acre City owned site. The lease was established in 2003 for a five year term, renewed in September, 2008 for another five year term. ACTION: Mr. Marshall made a motion to approve resolution as presented, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. Mr. Marshall mentioned that this is just one of many projects by the RHS Foundation and wanted to commend them on the work they do. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 CITIZENS COMMENTS: Jim Graham, Radford Citizen, thanked Council, Mr. Ridpath and all departments that have helped with the Community Garden this past season. He shared they were able to provide 37 plots and had a fantastic growing season. They usually have a waiting list. Some of the produce was taken to The Daily Bread. He mentioned that the mowing crew did a great job and they are greatly appreciated. Mr. Marshall asked how many people were turned away. Mr. Graham responded they turned away 3 people this past year. Most people come back each year. Mr. Nicholson thanked him for his leadership, he took the charge and brought it forward and it has been spectacular. It is just another beautiful aspect in our community. NEW BUSINESS SUBJECT: Consider Appropriation Ordinance 1673.11: $17,450 for HazMat Team Equipment. SUMMARY: Our regional HazMat team needs equipment that includes twelve portable radios, Chlorine “B” Kit improvements and a gas meter. The equipment is needed for technology improvements, as well as issues with age and service reliability. ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to place 1673.11 on its first reading, Mr. Nicholson seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Dr. Harshberger made a motion to dispense with the second and final reading and approve Appropriation 1673.11, Mr. Nicholson seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Consider Appropriation Ordinance 1673.12: $55,600 for Fire Department Brush Truck SUMMARY: The City surplused the 2006 model brush truck (Engine 4) on September 14, 2015. The plan was to replace the unit with a smaller, heavy duty pick-up truck with a 250 gallon water capacity, two hose reels, and storage boxes. ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion to place 1673.12 on its first reading, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion to dispense with the second and final reading and approve Appropriation 1673.14, Mr. Turk seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 SUBJECT: Microchips for Animal Identification SUMMARY: Animal Control is implementing a new program for our animal adoptions. Microchips and vaccines will be offered to our community pet adopters to help with animal locations in the event they are lost, as well as take care of vaccinations on site. The microchips will also assist Animal Control Officer’s in locating owners, when animals come into the shelter. Mr. Marshall asked if we spent any time reaching out to the public for feedback. He isn’t against this but is a little concerned that we just put it on the agenda. He would love an opportunity to hear from some of the people who have dealt with the pound and get their feeling on the effect of the higher rate fee, it wouldn’t help us if the adoption fee was raised and less animals adopted. Dr. Harshberger shared when they adopted their dog, they spent a lot of money on vaccines and didn’t get a chip. Mr. Ridpath stated that with the vaccines, the time and cost will be an advantage to getting everything done right there on the spot. Chief Goodman added that we have one of the lower adoption charges in the area, we are not making any money off of this, and they are just trying to recoup the cost. One advantage is with microchip program is there are no subscription fee. I think it’s a good program and good way to help keep some accountability of these animals. Mayor Brown stated that it won’t hurt if they wait until the next meeting to receive some feedback from the community. SUBJECT: Consider Appropriation Ordinance 1673.14: $151,599 for Community Development Block Grant SUMMARY: The City of Radford has received CDBG funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The funds will be used to support the 2015 CDBG Action Plan approved by City council on May 6, 2015. Projects will include emergency home repair, neighborhood beautification, repayment of Section 108 loan and continued sidewalk and lighting on West Main Street. ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion to place 1673.14 on its first reading, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ACTION: Mr. Nicholson made a motion to dispense with the second and final reading and approve Appropriation 1673.14, Dr. Harshberger seconded the motion. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 CITY MANAGERS COMMENTS: Mr. Ridpath informed Council that the user agreement with New River Resource Authority will be held off until Nov 9th meeting, along with the electronic council meeting resolution. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS: Mr. Nicholson mentioned Council and School Board met for a work session, it was a good opportunity to have open dialogue with each other. Mayor Brown shared that the City was recognized by the Governmental Finance Officers Association for our Budget Presentation Award. It is a testament to his team, this is something that’s not given away. Dr. Harshberger made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:26 p.m., seconded by Mr. Marshall. VOTE: AYES: Dr. Harshberger, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Turk, Mayor Brown NAYES: None-0 ATTEST: _________________________________ Melissa A. Skelton, City Clerk of Council